Trump Declares Full Support for Netanyahu Ahead of Israeli Elections

By ברק רביד

Translated & summarized from N12 by baba

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Hebrew · 10 newsrooms covering

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has officially endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of the upcoming elections, calling him a "great fighter." Trump stated he had planned the endorsement for a while but waited for the opportune moment, citing their strong relationship. The declaration disappointed Netanyahu's opponents, who had hoped for U.S. neutrality. The timing of the endorsement, close to U.S. midterm elections, also follows discussions between the leaders about a potential military operation against Iran.

The story in 6 lines · by baba

Former U.S. President Donald Trump endorsed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the upcoming Israeli elections.
Trump stated he had planned his support for Netanyahu for some time but waited for the right moment.
The endorsement disappointed Netanyahu's political rivals, who had sought U.S. neutrality.
Trump cited his "good relationship" with Netanyahu as a key reason for his public backing.
The former president suggested he might not be able to work with a different Israeli leader.
The announcement follows reports of discussions between Trump and Netanyahu regarding a potential military operation against Iran.

Trump Declares Full Support for Netanyahu Ahead of Israeli Elections — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced his "full and complete" endorsement of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the upcoming Israeli elections, stating that Netanyahu "has never let you down." Trump revealed in an exclusive interview with Channel 12 News that he had been planning to express his support for Netanyahu for some time but did not want to do so "too early." He cited their "good relationship" and the desire to "continue to do good things together" as reasons for his backing. When asked if he could work with a different Israeli prime minister, Trump responded, "Maybe, but why take a risk?"

Trump's public declaration of support came as a disappointment to Netanyahu's rivals, who had reportedly sought neutrality from the White House. Despite recent private frustrations where Trump allegedly blamed Netanyahu for failures related to the October 7th attacks and damaged Israel's international standing, he ultimately decided to publicly align with the Prime Minister. Some of Trump's closest advisors had suggested that a different Israeli leader might better serve U.S. interests in the Middle East, but Trump overruled them.

The timing of the endorsement, just over two weeks before the U.S. midterm elections, has drawn attention. This announcement follows reports that Netanyahu and Trump had previously discussed the possibility of launching a new major military operation against Iran before the elections in both countries. While Trump initially seemed open to Netanyahu's proposal, he later opted to wait until after the elections, with his endorsement potentially signaling a willingness to support such actions post-election.